An Illawarra couple is taking a shot at turning their long-held dream of producing their own whisky into a reality.
Mark and April Greenfeld are the faces behind Wolf and Woman Distillery, a whisky and gin micro-distillery that they hope to have up-and-running by the end of the year.
The couple have submitted a development application to Wollongong City Council to establish their distillery at a new warehouse in Bellambi.
"It's been a dream for a long time... but finally everything's coming together and we've had the opportunity to do it," Mr Greenfeld said.
He has been passionate about whisky for a decade or so, an interest that inspired him to try his hand at making his own.
In the past couple of years, the Greenfelds have become serious about working towards opening their own distillery.
"Mark would see whisky and want to perfect it; it's that ambition to make the best drop," Mrs Greenfeld said.
The liquor's variety is part of what makes it so appealing.
"I just love the different flavours and styles; you can be creative with it or you can stick to more traditional styles," Mr Greenfeld said.
But with whisky taking at least five years to age, the couple are starting with gin.
The gin will be distilled on-site using traditional stills and infused with native ingredients sourced from the Wollongong area.
Their plan for their micro-distillery on Bellambi Lane includes a cellar door, gin-making classes, and a family-friendly bar, depending on the licence they can acquire.
Mr Greenfeld said Wollongong had potential to become a destination for locally produced gin and whisky, saying there was room in the market for such spirits.
In establishing their business, Mrs Greenfeld said, they endeavoured to source equipment and the like within Australia - the pair recently travelled to Tasmania to select barrels for their whisky.
Subject to development application approval and licensing, the Greenfelds hope to be selling their gin by Christmas this year.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
